Andros made The New York Times' list "52 Places to Love in 2021."
Usually titled “52 Places to Go” and compiled by recommendations from editors, reporters, and contributors at the New York Times, the annual story switched it up this year by publishing reader recommendations “that have delighted, inspired, and comforted them in a dark year.”
From more than 2,000 recommendations, the publication included 52 destinations, including Andros, the northernmost island of the Cyclades archipelago.
The reader who submitted the Andros piece, Maria Dal Pan, wrote, "Hospitality is in the heart of the island as Andros has not ceased to maintain its authenticity over the decade."
She also recalled the time she first explored the Cyclades island in the 1990s with her late cousin.
“I went to Andros for the first time, the island where my family comes from, in 1992, the year before I went to high school,” she remembered.
“It was all magical. My cousin Giannis and I went around day and night. We woke up in the morning and went for a swim and in the evening we went out and danced with the new friends we had made. The island was full of life,” she added.
Maria Dal Pan returned to Andros in 2017 with her children. “I found that little had changed… It is such a warm and welcoming place and the scents of flowers emerge in the air. Now my children are looking forward to coming back.”
She underlined that her appreciation for the beautiful island only increased, over the decades.
Other destinations on the list include Isfahan in Iran, the Scottish highlands, Cordoba in Spain, Lake Michigan, Bryce Canyon National Park, Tagaytay in the Philippines, the Siwa Oasis in Egypt, and Hokkaido in Japan.
"This great distinction has double value and importance, if we take into account that Andros is the only Greek destination that is on the list and that the selection criterion was to single out all the places around the world that managed to inspire, satisfy and relax travellers," said Nikos Moustakas, the deputy mayor of Andros.
"We warmly thank the excellent author of the article, all our friends for their trust, as well as the organizations that contribute daily to the promotion of Greece, such as the EOT Offices and our Consulate General in New York," he added.
Where have you traveled in your mind? Any favourite destinations in Greece? Let us know in the comments.